Undergraduate 2013

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Forensic Science MSci MSci

This is a full-time single honours programme within the Forensic Sciences subject area.

Key facts

  • Subject area: Forensic Sciences
  • Award: MSci
  • Code: F414
  • Location: Canterbury
  • Honours: Single
  • Mode of study: Full-time
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Start: 2013
  • Year in industry: No
  • Year abroad: No
  • Institution(s): University of Kent

Overview

Forensic science is a high-profile subject in the UK. It has received a lot of new investment for expansion since the well-publicised miscarriages of justice in the 1970s. As a result, scientific liaison officers have been appointed by the police service and the knowledge and communication gap between the scientists and the police at a crime scene has narrowed. Forensic skills are used in a wide range of professions and industries; for instance, at disaster scenes, within archaeology and in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

New legislation has stimulated demand for authentication of materials, and for experts and analytical companies to carry out the work. Forensic scientists are specialists, but their skills have to bridge several disciplines within a legal context. At Kent, the core scientific content is taught by staff from the School of Physical Sciences and the School of Biosciences, and the legal background is taught by staff from Kent Law School. Additional content is delivered by expert practitioners from the field of forensic science.

Modules

Stage 1

Core modules
  • Chemical Skills for Forensic Scientists
  • Disasters
  • Fundamental Chemistry for Physical Scientists and Bioscientists
  • Introduction to Forensic Science
  • Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry
  • Molecules, Matter and Energy
  • Skills for Forensic Scientists

Stage 2

Core modules
  • Chemical Identification Techniques
  • Criminal Law for Forensic Sciences
  • Forensic Physical Methods
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Numeracy Skills for Forensic Science
Forensic Science
  • Facial Identifiation and Imaging
  • Forensic Archaeology
  • Forensic Ballistics and Collision Analysis
Forensic Chemistry
  • Aspects of Synthetic Organic Chemistry
  • Inorganic and Polymeric Materials
  • Thermodynamics and Spectroscopy

Stage 3

Core modules
  • Analytical Chemistry
  • Fires and Explosions
  • Forensic Expert Witness Skills
  • Law of Evidence for Forensic Scientists
  • Medicinal Chemistry
Forensic Science
  • Forensic DNA Analysis
  • Forensic Science Project
Forensic Chemistry
  • Forensic Chemistry Project
  • Topics in Functional Materials
MSci only Forensic Science
  • Advanced Laboratory Techniques and Projects
  • Forensic DNA Analysis
Forensic Chemistry
  • Advanced Laboratory Techniques and Projects
  • Topics in Functional Materials

Stage 4

  • Forensic Science Research Project
  • Incident Management
  • Physical Science Research Planning
  • Substances of Abuse

Teaching and assessment

There are approximately eight one-hour lectures each week, laboratory classes, project work and problem-solving seminars.

Assessment is by a combination of written examinations, continuous assessment and other assignments. You must pass the Stage 1 examinations in order to go on to Stage 2. The year in industry mark also counts towards your final degree result.

Coursework assessments include incident analysis, evidence preservation, presentation skills, and expert witness testimony.

Careers

The skills you gain studying forensic science equip you for a range of jobs where the ability to analyse problems and combine disciplinary perspectives is required. The degree opens up specialised opportunities without closing off access to general opportunities.

Recent graduates have gone into areas such as government agencies, consultancies, emergency services, local authorities, contract laboratories, research or further vocational training.

For more information on the services Kent provides to improve your employment prospects, visit www.kent.ac.uk/employability

Entry requirements

Offer levels

BBB at A level, IB Diploma 33 points inc 5 in HL Biology or 5 in HL Chemistry and 4 in Mathematics, or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher inc 5 in HL Biology or 5 in HL Chemistry and 4 in Mathematics.

Required subjects

A level grade B or equivalent in Chemistry, Biology or Human Biology.

Further information

School

Enquiries:

T: +44 (0)1227 827272

E: information@kent.ac.uk

Key Information Sets

The Key Information Set (KIS) data (right) is compiled by UNISTATS and draws from a variety of sources which includes the National Student Survey and the Higher Education Statistical Agency. The data for assessment and contact hours is compiled from the most populous modules (to the total of 120 credits for an academic session) for this particular degree programme. Depending on module selection, there may be some variation between the KIS data and an individual's experience. For further information on how the KIS data is compiled please see the UNISTATS website.

If you have any queries about a particular programme, please contact information@kent.ac.uk

Publishing Office - © University of Kent

The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T: +44 (0)1227 764000

Last Updated: 08/11/2011